Like the new economy of which it is a part, the Company of Friends supports (and depends on) global mobility. That's why, just about anyplace that CoF members go, they can find a cell to call their own. As of last December, Karen Van Dyke had been an active member of the San Diego cell for seven months. Then she moved with her husband from San Diego to Orlando, Florida -- and took her experience as a CoF member with her. She quickly became involved in the Orlando cell and soon became that cell's volunteer coordinator. 'What I've found in Orlando has been amazing,' says Van Dyke, 43, a free-agent event marketer who works with nonprofit groups and corporate clients in the health-care field. 'The members are great, and their desire to learn from one another permeates the cell.' Fast Company talked to Van Dyke about her cell's involvement in RealTime Orlando (which took place in May, after this issue went to press), about the role that evolutionary thinking plays in her work life, and about the importance of gratitude.

What are you working on?

'We're working with the Fast Company team to organize CoF activities at RealTime. We're creating an event for Saturday night that will help CoF members see the Orlando area at its finest. Also, local CoF members will be providing concierge services throughout the event. RealTime is almost like a single mind, with a zillion thoughts going on at once. At its best, it goes to the highest level of energy that you can possibly get.'

Favorite FC story

'Your piece on Barbara Marx Hubbard totally changed how I think about Darwinism ('Conscious Evolution,' April 1999). Before, I thought that Darwinism meant 'survival of the fittest.' But that theory of evolution doesn't work -- because the people who aren't 'the fittest' hold some of the keys to survival. We can't give up on an entire pool of people.'

Guiding Principle

'Expressing gratitude is a way of saying, 'I love you.' I feel grateful for everything that I've done in my life and for the looks on people's faces when I do something for them. I'm also grateful for my new friends in Florida -- for what we've done in the cell, for how we're evolving together.'

Coordinates Karen Van Dyke, ekvd@aol.com

Through June 16, Associate Editor Heath Row will be conducting the second annual Company of Friends Road Show -- a search for the 'Euro-conomy' that will take him to 15 cities in 12 European countries. Learn more about the Road Show at www.fastcompany.com/roadshow/2000 .

From: June 2000 issue